Bio-Layer Interferometry-Based SELEX and Label-Free Detection of Patulin Using Generated Aptamer

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biosensing
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Patulin is a harmful mycotoxin commonly found in food products.
• Accurate and rapid detection methods for patulin are crucial for food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-affinity aptamers against patulin using a novel bio-layer interferometry (BLI)-based SELEX method.
• To create a sensitive and specific aptasensor for patulin detection.

Main Methods:

• Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) combined with BLI for real-time affinity monitoring.
• Cloning, sequencing, and characterization of selected aptamers.
• Development and validation of a BLI-based aptasensor for patulin detection.

Main Results:

• Generation of high-affinity aptamers (PAT C3 and PAT C4) with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range.
• Development of a BLI aptasensor with a linear detection range of 0.045–100 ng/mL (LOD = 0.173 ng/mL).
• Demonstrated high specificity, with no cross-reactivity to structural analogues or other mycotoxins, and good recovery rates in spiked food samples.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first BLI-based SELEX for a non-protein toxin, yielding high-affinity aptamers.
• The developed aptasensor offers a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for patulin detection.
• This technology has significant potential for high-throughput screening in the food industry to ensure food safety.